CRYSTEX: Automated Xylene Solubles in Polypropylene with Viscometer and Composition Detectors

This application note describes the CRYSTEX technique, based on the separation of cycle plus filtration inside a stainless steel vessel. It provides results in the determination of the xylene soluble percentage, also known as xylene extractables (XS), in polypropylene. The intrinsic viscosity and ethylene contents of the whole polymer and its amorphous and crystalline fractions can be determined, as well as the soluble fraction percentage, which directly relates to xylene solubles. The full automation of CRYSTEX makes it an alternative to manual (ISO 6427, part B).